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How to organise a children’s birthday party

Children’s birthday parties should be equal parts magical and mildly chaotic. However, for their joy, your sanity and your bank balance (because trust us – costs can spiral), a little planning will go a long way. So, whether it’s a full-on themed bash with a bouncy castle or a low-key living room affair, here’s how to throw a children’s birthday party without a hitch.

             
                             
                                             
                                                                 
  • SHOP KIDS' PARTY BAG GIFTS
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Fun children's party activities

Once the theme’s sorted, it’s time to plan the fun. Great children’s party activities keep the chaos controlled and the kids entertained – and they don’t have to be high-effort or high-budget.

Classic kids’ party games like musical chairs, pass the parcel, and pin the tail on the donkey are still solid options for a reason. For indoor parties, try children’s party activities like crafting, cupcake decorating, or a mini treasure hunt. These indoor children's party games are especially handy if the weather turns or you don’t have outdoor space.

For older kids, simple competitions (limbo, relay races, talent shows) are easy wins. And if you’ve got a mix of ages, have a few kids’ party activities running at once so no one’s left twiddling their thumbs.

Pro tip: prepare more activities than you think you’ll need. It's easier to drop one than to improvise under pressure.

Children's party ideas for every age

First up: the theme. It doesn't have to be Pinterest-worthy, but it does help tie everything together – from the invites to the cake. Think princesses, pirates, dinosaurs, outer space, or even a ‘favourite colour’ party (yes, that’s a thing).

For younger children, an arts and crafts party, or even something based on characters from shows like Bluey, Peppa Pig, or Paw Patrol are strong contenders. For older kids, sport themes, gaming parties, or a bake-off-style competition can go down a treat. Basically, when it comes to children's party ideas, focus on your child’s current obsessions and tailor the activities from there.

And remember – the best children's party ideas don’t have to cost the earth. A sleepover with popcorn and matching pyjamas can still be the playground hot topic come Monday.

Birthday decoration ideas

Birthday decoration ideas can totally transform your space – but that doesn’t mean you need to splash out on custom balloon arches and branded backdrops.

Whether it’s a unicorn-themed kitchen or a pirate invasion in the garden, children's party decor should feel festive, not fussy. Balloons, streamers, tablecloths and banners go a long way, and themed partyware brings it all together. If you’ve got the space, a DIY photo booth with props and a party backdrop always gets the giggles going.

Lighting brightens up kids’ party decor too: fairy lights, lava lamps, or even a glitter ball can up the energy without adding too much to the budget.

Children's party clothes

When it comes to children's party clothes, think cute and practical. The perfect outfit should look good in pictures but still let your child run, jump and dive into cake with abandon.

Girls’ party dresses come in all styles, from glittery and frilly to laid-back and comfy. And boys' partywear can range from a superhero costume to a colourful shirt and joggers. Avoid anything too precious – there’s a high chance it’ll end up covered in grass stains or chocolate.

The key is choosing children's partywear and girl’s party dresses they feel great in – whether that’s a tutu, a dinosaur onesie or their favourite football kit.

Children's party bags

Kids’ party bags are one of those things you never thought you’d care about – until you’re Googling ‘children's party bag ideas’ at 11pm the night before.

They don’t have to be packed with sugar and plastic… Stickers, mini puzzles, or even themed stationery make great children's party bag fillers. You could also include a slice of cake, a balloon, or some craft the kids made at the party.

If you’re matching your kids’ party bags to the theme, go wild – a glittery wand for a fairy party, a pirate eye patch for a sea adventure, or slime (controversial) for a science theme. Creative children’s party bags are a small detail that leave a big impression.

             
                             
                                             
                                                                 
  • PARTY BAG GIFTS UNDER £10
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Fun children's party games

Yes, we already talked games – but it’s worth repeating. Good children's party games and fun crafts for parties are the difference between a buzzing, brilliant afternoon and 20 hyper children running in different directions.

Children’s indoor party games like musical bumps, charades or a dancing competition work well in smaller spaces. If you’re outside, do sack races, a tug of war or a scavenger hunt. Just make sure the games are age-appropriate and inclusive – no one wants to be the kid that gets knocked out in round one of musical chairs.

And some easy-to-organise winners? Simon Says, Sleeping Lions (great for calming things down) or a DIY piñata.

             
                             
                                             
                                                                 
  • PARTY BAG GIFTS UNDER £10
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Gift ideas for the birthday child

Let’s be honest – the birthday gift is often as exciting as the party itself. If you’re stuck for ideas, think about what they’re into right now: whether that’s crafts, LEGO, books or roleplay toys.

Big-ticket birthday gift ideas might include a bike, playhouse or tablet, but there are also plenty of smaller, thoughtful gifts that feel just as special. A personalised storybook, a build-your-own craft kit, or a toy from their favourite film or show can hit the mark.

And don’t forget the presentation – wrapping paper in their favourite colour or a gift bag that matches the party theme adds to the excitement.

Tip: build your guest list early

Before you book a children’s party venue or order 30 cupcakes, get your guest list down. Will your children’s party include the whole class or just a handful of close friends? This will shape everything from the venue to the budget to how many adults you’ll need to keep things running smoothly.

Sending kids’ party invitations early is essential, especially if the party lands during a busy time of year. And we live in the era of the e-vite, so don’t stress over printed invites – just create something fun online (Canva is your best friend), and track RSVPs and dietary requirements as you go.

Tip: get the adults involved

You don’t need to do it all alone. If parents offer to help with the children’s party, say YES – and be specific. Whether it’s running a game, managing the cake-cutting chaos or keeping track of coats, having an extra pair of hands makes a huge difference.

Ask ahead if anyone’s happy to pitch in, and give them a heads-up on what to expect. Most parents will understand the juggling act and be more than happy to lend a hand – especially if it means their kid has a great time too.

Children's birthday party checklist

Finally, some real-world planning tips to keep everything on track.

- Set a budget: It’s easy to get carried away, but even low-cost children's parties can be brilliant.
- Write a to-do list: From booking the venue to buying napkins – lists are lifesavers.
- Keep it short and sweet: 2-3 hours is the sweet spot for most children’s parties.
- Have a back-up plan: Especially if you’re relying on the weather.
- Don’t skip the thank-yous: A quick thank-you message after the party goes a long way.

Final thought

The best children’s birthday parties don’t need to be Insta-perfect – just full of fun, laughter, and cake. With a little prep (and a lot of wipes), even the simplest children’s party ideas can turn into the most memorable moments. From creative themes to games that actually keep them entertained, the right children’s party ideas make all the difference – and you don’t need to spend a fortune to pull them off.